Any advice on ADs whilst TTC - dosulepin

My sister is starting to think about TTC - possibly later this year or early next (I am v. excited).She has been on venlafaxine for 11 years and has started the process of coming off this drug (very successfully so far) and has asked her GP for advice on an AD that is safe during pregnancy.He has recommended Dosulepin and she has two questions. As she is not going to TTC immediately she would like to continue drinking but has read that dosulepin is not compatible with alcohol - is this true?She also wanted reassurance that it was sfae during pregnancy when she does become pregnant.

Any experience of this drug would be gratefully received.Thank you, Sam

Hi, have taken dosulepin for several years during which I have had, and breastfed, two lovely healthy daughters. Have also drunk alcohol in moderation (not when pg obviuosly!) with no problems. HTH and good luck to your sister!

I was put on this drug when 18 weeks pg and there were no side effects for me or DS. I started on 25mg per day and went upto 50mg later on (at about 32 weeks IIRC) Also still have occasional glass of wine without problems.

I've been taking Dosulepin for about 15 years now. Bloody good stuff . There was no problem with ttc and my pregnancy and it was ok to take while breastfeeding.

I was lucky in that I used to work for a psychiatrist so before I started ttc I asked her all about it. She said that as it's one of the older type of anti-depressants (known as a tri-cyclic) there have been lots of studies and research done on it and she said there had been no evidence of problems during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I felt very reassured.

As for drinking, I have absolutely no problem taking it and have a glass or wine, or getting completely shitfaced, if I'm completely honest . I get no side effects from it at all, so it's a drug that really suits me. She will have to see how it goes as what suits one person doesn't necessarily suit another - but my experience of it is that it is really good, no side effects and it keeps me really well.